Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund GmbH — Attraction in Dresden

On my most recent trip to Europe, I purposely booked a one-night stopover in the little town of Dresden, Germany just so I could visit the Pfunds Molkerei. Why, you might ask? Because this tiny shop provided the real-life filming location and setting for the fictional Mendl's Bakery in the Wes Anderson film "The Grand Budapest Hotel."

I'm a huge movie nerd and an even bigger Anderson fan, so paying this place a visit was a real no-brainer. It's located in the outskirts of town. It technically is walkable from the main train station, but it's pretty far. It took us about an hour but we finally arrived.

Yes, the shop has a ton of signs saying "no photos" are allowed inside, but we broke the rule with a little sleight of hand. The tile work is absolutely gorgeous, and it photographs well. The two women working the evening we arrived were far from friendly, which I found odd for a place that caters to tourists.

The shop sells a few little overpriced touristy things like magnets, kitchen towels, and tote bags, but they also have chocolates and a cheese case with cheeses that are made elsewhere (wait, what?). There's a small area with a few tables where you can stand or sit and enjoy your chocolate or cheese snack. Overcome with curiosity, we decided to try a shot of liqueur that was made with milk. It was delicious, sort of like a more milky version of Kahlua. This isn't a place for foodies, it's a place for movie fans.

We were the only customers in the shop, but I can imagine it would be miserably crowded when the giant tour groups arrive. I wasn't able to get a photo in the main part of the shop (seriously, folks, they will YELL at you if they catch you trying to snap a pic), but I was still a happy camper to have visited the "real"...

I visited today and really enjoyed it. The shop is small yes, but the tiles are beautiful and very intricate. You can see more details the longer you walk around and actually look at them. The staff were friendly and accommodating after I asked them for photography permission and consent to be in the picture. I had reached out in advance to the team asking for photography permission and was pleased when I found the shop to be empty (which is easier for me since I don't have to ask people for their consent). Unfortunately, after two minutes of me entering the store, a group of tourists arrived who filled up the small space in no time. I didn't notice that the dairy was part of the tourbus. So I hd to wait for the shop to clear.

With regards to parents and children: I also observed parents mentally checked out and letting their kids go rampant in the store with little to no respect for the historic place or the staff. Parents still have an obligation to supervise their kids and ensure that everyone can enjoy this historic place.

With regards to photography: the DACH countries have very strict photography and data privacy laws, it baffles me that many tourists come in and start taking pictures without asking the staff for permission. This is rude and uncultured behaviour. Make sure to obtain photography permission prior to your stay and respect visitors. Technically/legally you have to ask every single visitor who is going to be in your image for consent.

So dear tourists, please be respectful when you visit this historic site and consider also German...

Very beautiful place. A must see.

Dresdner Molkerei Gebrüder Pfund GmbH, commonly known as Pfunds Molkerei, is a historic dairy shop located in Dresden, Germany. Renowned for its stunning interior and exquisite hand-painted tiles, Pfunds Molkerei has gained fame as one of the most beautiful dairy shops in the world.

The interior of Pfunds Molkerei is a true work of art. The walls are adorned with over 24,000 hand-painted, intricately designed Meissen tiles, which were created by the renowned porcelain manufacturer Meissen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These tiles depict various pastoral scenes, floral motifs, and dairy-related imagery, creating a visually captivating atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Established in 1880, Pfunds Molkerei has a rich history that spans over a century. It has retained its traditional charm while adapting to modern times. The shop offers a variety of dairy products, including a wide selection of cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy delights. The emphasis on high-quality products and attention to detail is reflected in both the interior decor and the offerings.

Visitors to Pfunds Molkerei have the opportunity to experience a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. The shop's interior alone is a feast for the eyes, providing an immersive journey into the dairy traditions of the region. Whether you're a cheese enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to experience a truly remarkable space, Pfunds Molkerei offers a memorable and picturesque destination in the...